Mexico and cartel wars - recent news

By Vladan Lausevic | Vlad's politics | 30 May 2023


The ongoing Mexican drug war between various cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel and the CJNG (Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Gènèracion), has escalated in intensity and poses a significant threat to the growing ties between the United States and Mexico. The Sinaloa Cartel, led by Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, is the most established and progressive organization, operating globally and involved in trafficking drugs and other criminal activities. The CJNG, led by Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Ramos, has emerged as Mexico's largest cartel, known for its brutal tactics and violence. The drug war has resulted in high levels of violence, with over 350,000 people killed since 2006.

The Sinaloa Cartel and the CJNG have different power structures and approaches to conducting business. The Sinaloa Cartel aims to maintain and expand its business by absorbing smaller rivals and working within the context of a market economy. At the same time, the CJNG seeks to emulate state institutions and establish dominance through violence and intimidation. The Sinaloa Cartel prefers a vertically integrated model, controlling all aspects of its legitimate and illegitimate operations. At the same time, the CJNG operates more as a licensing organization, taxing various illegal and legal activities within its controlled territories.

The drug war has led to inter-cartel violence, with various cartels fighting for control over lucrative trafficking routes. The violence has spread to previously safe areas like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, affecting local populations and American citizens. The Gulf Cartel, one of Mexico's oldest criminal organizations, has seen increased violence as it faces encroachment from the Sinaloa Cartel. Los Zetas, a faction that split from the Gulf Cartel, has also become a significant cartel engaged in battles with the Sinaloa Cartel and the CJNG.

The escalating violence in Mexico has raised concerns among US lawmakers, mainly due to American citizens being caught in the crossfire. Some politicians, such as Senator Lindsay Graham, have called for a more robust response against the cartels, including designating them as foreign terrorist organizations. The proposed legislation targets cartel activities with increased criminal penalties and financial targeting. President Biden has deployed active service members to the Mexican border, reflecting concerns from both parties about the drug war's impact.

The relationship between the US and Mexico regarding the drug war extends beyond politics. US law enforcement agencies have expressed frustration with the lack of cooperation from their Mexican counterparts, attributed to a 2020 law restricting collaboration. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) initially promised to return the military to the barracks but has instead expanded the military's role in the drug war. This has led to tensions between the military and the public, with reports of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses. Despite these challenges, economic ties between the US and Mexico have been growing, with both countries serving as each other's largest trade partners. However, the drug war poses a significant threat to these developments.

In conclusion, the multidimensional drug war in Mexico, particularly between the Sinaloa Cartel and the CJNG, continues to intensify and threatens the growing ties between the US and Mexico. The violence and competition between cartels and the Mexican government's struggles to contain it have raised concerns among US lawmakers. The drug war's impact on security, cooperation, and economic relations between the two countries is a pressing issue that requires attention and practical strategies.

 

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Vladan Lausevic
Vladan Lausevic

Based in Stockholm, Sweden as a social entrepreneur. Working with decentralization of democracy, climate transformation and economy. For more info, please get in touch with me via [email protected]


Vlad's politics
Vlad's politics

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